When dogs attack, they can inflict more than just physical injuries – they can also result in significant emotional and psychological damage. This is especially true for vulnerable young children, who can suffer a multitude of long-term effects in a dog attack. These effects can range from physical disfigurement to mental health conditions. If you were injured in an accident, make sure to contact a dog bite injury attorney in Round Rock today.
Physical Effects
The most obvious effects that a dog attack can have on a child are physical. Small children are highly vulnerable to serious injuries in dog attack situations. Children and the elderly are the most likely populations to die from dog bite injuries.
If a child survives a dog attack, he or she may suffer significant physical injuries that come with various long-term effects. Examples include scarring, disfigurement, facial injuries, nerve damage, amputations, and diseases or infections.
A child may suffer physical developmental issues due to the effects of a severe dog bite injury. This could lead to delayed development or permanent disability. Immediate medical treatment is critical for reducing the risk of long-term health complications.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) From Dog Attacks
A psychological condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among child survivors of dog attacks. PTSD can occur in individuals who live through or witness traumatic events. It can lead to effects such as nightmares, bed-wetting, flashbacks, depression, anxiety, withdrawal and behavioral changes in small children.
Other types of emotional problems can also stem from a traumatic dog attack. A child may experience heightened or chronic anxiety, for example, which can lead to separation anxiety, problems in school, gastrointestinal issues, avoidance, withdrawal, sleep problems and irrational fears. These effects can have a lasting impact on a child’s emotional and psychological development.
Phobia of Dogs
A child who lives through a dog attack is likely to develop a long-lasting fear of dogs (cynophobia). In some cases, this fear can be extreme, intense or irrational, potentially leading to a fear of leaving the house (agoraphobia). A severe fear of dogs can make it harder for a child to engage in normal activities.
Body Image Problems
Some dog bite injuries leave visible scars or disfigurement. A severed nerve, for example, can result in a “drooping” facial appearance in a child. Even after skin grafts or reconstructive surgery, a child may lament the fact that he or she does not look the same as before. This can result in low self-esteem and body image issues that can impact the child’s mental health and social interactions.
How to Seek Justice for Your Child’s Dog Bite Injury
If your child was attacked or bitten by a dog in Texas, you have legal rights. You may be able to hold the pet owner financially responsible or liable for your child’s losses, including pain and suffering, medical bills, and any long-term effects caused by the incident.
While no amount of money can make up for severe dog bite injuries, fair and full financial compensation can help your family move forward by allowing you to pay for ongoing care. Filing a claim can also hold a pet owner responsible for his or her part in the incident, such as failing to prevent a foreseeable dog attack.
A successful dog bite injury claim in Texas could provide the justice, closure and compensation your child deserves during this difficult time. Speak to an attorney at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys during a free consultation for more information about a specific case.